Houston Dynamo midfielder Boniek Garcia (27) controls the ball during the second half of a MLS soccer game against the New York Red Bulls at BBVA Compass Stadium Friday, Aug. 3, 2012, in Houston, TX. ( J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle )

Houston Dynamo midfielder Boniek Garcia (27) controls the ball during the second half of a MLS soccer game against the New York Red Bulls at BBVA Compass Stadium Friday, Aug. 3, 2012, in Houston, TX. ( J.

Houston Dynamo forward Brian Ching (25) reacts to a call during a MLS soccer game against the New York Red Bulls at BBVA Compass Stadium Friday, Aug. 3, 2012, in Houston, TX. ( J. Patric Schneider / For the

Houston Dynamo forward Macoumba Kandji (9) heads the ball with New York Red Bulls forward Kenny Cooper (33) and defender Roy Miller (7) during the second half of a MLS soccer game at BBVA Compass Stadium

Houston Dynamo midfielder Boniek Garcia (27) takes a shot against New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Bill Gaudette (88) during the second half of a MLS soccer game at BBVA Compass Stadium Friday, Aug. 3, 2012, in

Hours before making his Major League Soccer debut as the latest international star with the New York Red Bulls, Tim Cahill incorrectly identified the two-time MLS Cup champion Dynamo in a tweet.

A few hours later Friday, the Dynamo introduced themselves to the former English Premier League star in style. They ran French legend Thierry Henry, Cahill and the Red Bulls ragged with a 2-0 victory, moving atop the Eastern Conference standings with arguably their most impressive performance of the year.

Needing only 72 seconds to take the lead on Jermaine Taylor’s goal, the Dynamo took control early to win the match pitting the team with the league’s highest payroll (New York) against the team with the lowest payroll (Dynamo) at BBVA Compass Stadium.

“It was extra emotional to play on par and against a great player like Thierry Henry,” Dynamo forward Boniek Garcia said. “I never imagined it, and thank God I had the opportunity. It’s beautiful that we were able to win.”

Before it was over, the sellout crowd of 22,039 was moved into a chorus of “Ole! Ole! Ole!” as the Dynamo passed the ball with little resistance.

The Dynamo didn’t celebrate much because 11 games remain in the regular season. They must get ready for the rematch Friday night at Red Bull Arena as the Red Bulls attempt to take back the top spot in the East.

“The standings don’t mean a whole lot come game time,” Bobby Boswell said. “We’re not (at the end of the season), but we’re looking good. Guys are stepping in and doing the job. And guys that are on the field are doing the job.

“It’s a lot of fun to be a part of. We’re still kind of antsy. We don’t want to lose any, and we sure as heck don’t want to give up any goals. We’re working hard to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

With the victory, the Dynamo extended their winning streak to a franchise record-tying five games. They also are on an eight-game unbeaten run.

Not bad for a team whose $2.9 million payroll wouldn’t match Henry’s $5.6 million salary. The Dynamo might not have international superstars, but they are the hottest team in MLS, which made Cahill’s tweet even funnier.

“Looking forward to our game tonight against a tough team Houston Dynamos. And its going to be a HOT and humid weather #NYRB,” he tweeted.

At least he got the tough, hot and humid parts right.

Mac Kandji, who tormented the Red Bulls all night, created the second goal in the 28th minute.

After shielding the ball away from Markus Holgersson on the left side of the 18-yard box and making the defense respect his speed, he rolled the ball for about three seconds before dishing it to Corey Ashe.

Once the defense backed off Kandji, Ashe pushed the ball wide back to Kandji. Then Kandji delivered a masterful cross toward the right edge of the 6-yard box. Calen Carr took care of the rest, leaping over Roy Miller to give the Dynamo a 2-0 lead with a header near the far post.

“They’re a great team,” Carr said. “And to feel too good about this win would be a little foolish. We’re going to enjoy it for sure, but at the same time we’ll get ready and prepare.”